Fight against Pakistan's blasphemy law continues

Asia Bibi

Spero News is reporting that the “fight over blasphemy continues unabated in Pakistan” as appeals and initiatives on behalf of Asia Bibi, a jailed Christian woman sentenced to death, continue around the world.

This week, the High Court in Lahore is expected to set the date for Asia’s appeal. However, extremist Islamic parties and organizations have launched a campaign in favour of Pakistan’s blasphemy legislation, announcing street actions and strikes over the coming weeks.

“Maulana Fazl ur Rehman, head of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islma Fazl party, launched the campaign at a press conference,” said the Spero News story. “He said that the campaign would unfold in three stages: demonstrations on December 24 after Friday prayers, a general strike on December 31, and a great rally on January 9, 2011, in Karachi.”

Maulana Fazl said that religious parties are "united on the issue." He insisted that he would oppose any attempt by the government to change the blasphemy law.

Last week, President Asif Ali Zardari stated that he wanted to modify the controversial law, which has been condemned around the world.

You can read the full report here.

Please continue to pray for Asia and her family.